Infant simulation device and method therefore

ABSTRACT

A device and method is provided for simulating the activities of an infant. The invention includes a mannequin having a simulator position therein for generating a plurality of simulated activities by the mannequin at preprogrammed timed intervals. Simulated duties such as diaper change, feeding and burping, and attention are generated by the simulator. A user must respond by inserting a proper response element into the simulator in order to terminate the simulated activity. Indicators are provided to inform of the user&#39;s abuse or tampering with the simulator.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to mannequins, in particular, toa mannequin which simulates the activities of an infant in order toteach potential parents about the realities of parenthood.

[0002] Potential parents, such as teenagers, often fail to appreciatethe rigors and realities of parenthood. As is known, parenting involvesa great deal of time and energy. The demands for caring for a baby keepa parent on duty twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. As aresult, it is highly desirable to teach potential parents, especiallyteenagers, the many aspects of caring for an infant.

[0003] Heretofore, in order to teach individuals the realities andrigors of parenthood, infant simulation systems have been developed. Forexample, in Jurmain et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,388, an infant caresimulation system is provided for use in teaching individuals therealities, responsibilities and constraints inherent in carrying foryoung babies. While the system described in the Jurmain et al '388patent adequately simulates the crying of an infant, there aresignificant limitations which minimize the effectiveness of the Jurmainsystem for use as an educational tool for teaching individuals therealities and rigors of parenthood, and also the positive effects ofparenthood.

[0004] In the system described in the Jurmain et al '388 patent, theinfant cries at random intervals and for random lengths of time therebydemanding a response from the user. As such, monitoring by an instructorof a student's response to the simulated activities is difficult whenthe simulation system is removed from the instructor's presence.Consequently, methodology for recording the student's responses must beprovided in the simulation system to monitor the activities of thestudent. A device or element for recording the student's responses mayadd significantly to the cost of the simulation system.

[0005] Further, prior art simulation systems typically do not include anelement for monitoring the possible abuse thereof. In that infants arefragile and activities such as the shaking or dropping of an infant cancause permanent damage thereto, it is highly desirable to monitor thistype of activity in order for instructors to assist a student with apotential problem and to discourage such activities by the student withan actual infant. Also, simulation systems such as the one described inthe Jurmain et al '388 patent can be expensive to manufacture.Therefore, it is desirable to monitor the activities of the end user ofthe simulation system in order to minimize the potential damage thereto.

[0006] In addition, there are additional aspects to tending for aninfant which are not provided for in prior art simulation systems. Forexample, it is often times difficult for a parent to know why an infantcries. As a result, it is highly desirable to develop a simulationsystem in which the student is required to determine the nature of theinfant's crying.

[0007] Therefore, it is a primary object and feature of the presentinvention to provide an infant simulation device which teaches potentialparents of the realities and rigors of parenthood.

[0008] It is a further object and feature of the present invention toprovide an infant simulation device which may be used as an educationaltool for teaching individuals the realities and rigors of parenthood.

[0009] It is a still further object and feature of the present inventionto provide an infant simulation device which simulates a plurality ofactivities of an infant at predetermined time periods.

[0010] It is a still further object and feature of the present inventionto provide an infant simulation device wherein a user's responses to theactivities simulated by the device are easily monitorable.

[0011] It is a further object and feature of the present invention toprovide an infant simulation device which monitors the possible abuseand/or tampering of the same.

[0012] It is a still further object and feature of the present inventionto provide an infant simulation device which requires the user todetermine the nature of the simulated activities generated by thedevice.

[0013] In accordance with the present invention, a device is providedfor simulating the activities of an infant. The device includes amannequin and a control module positioned within the mannequin forgenerating one of a plurality of simulated activities by the mannequinat predetermined time intervals. The device also includes a plurality ofresponse elements. Each response element corresponds to a distinct,corresponding simulating activity. A reader element is operativelyconnected to the control module for receiving a response elementtherein. The control module terminates the one of a plurality ofsimulated activities in response to receiving the proper, responseelement within the reader element, and thereafter generate positivefeedback to the user to indicate a correct action has taken.

[0014] The device further includes an abuse indicator interconnected tothe mannequin. The abuse indicator generates a signal in response to apredetermined force on the mannequin. The abuse indicator includes atoggle switch movable between a first, normal operating position and asecond, abuse position in response to a predetermined force on themannequin. A light emitting diode is provided for generating a visualsignal in response to the moving of the toggle switch to the second,abuse position. In addition, a sound generator is provided forgenerating an audible abuse signal in response to the moving of thetoggle switch into the second, abused position. One of the plurality ofresponse elements constitutes an attention element, wherein receipt ofthe attention element within the reader element terminates the audibleabuse signal after a predetermined period.

[0015] One of the plurality of response elements constitutes a panicelement. Receipt of the panic element within the reader elementterminates any of the simulated activities generated by the controlmodule, however, the program will continue. In addition, the controlmodule generates a panic signal in response to receipt of the panicelement within the reader element.

[0016] A control module is powered by a power source, such as a battery.A low power indicator is operatively connected to the power source. Thelower power indicator generates a visual signal if the power supplied bythe power source decreases below a predetermined level.

[0017] The device of the present invention further includes a tamperindicator interconnected to the control module for generating a tampersignal if the control module is removed from the mannequin. The tamperindicator includes a tamper switch movable between a first, normaloperating position, and a second, tampered position in response to theunauthorized removal of the control module from the mannequin. Thetamper indicator also includes a light emitting diode for generating asignal in response to the moving of the tamper switch to the tamperedposition.

[0018] The control module of the infant simulation device of the presentinvention includes a microprocessor and sound generating structureresponsive to commands from the microprocessor. The reader elementincludes a plurality of switches operatively connected to themicroprocessor of the control module. Each switch is movable between anopen and a closed position. Each response element includes a key havingdistinct, coded bitting thereon. By inserting a response element intothe reader element, the coded bitting closes a unique, correspondingcombination of switches of the reader element. This, in turn, provides aunique, corresponding signal to the microprocessor.

[0019] The control module and the reader element are housed in ahousing. The housing has a slot therein so as to allow for insertion ofa response element. The housing is positioned within a cavity in themannequin. A hook and pile element is utilized to maintain the housingwithin the cavity. A flexible tab member extends from the housing so asto facilitate removal of the housing from the mannequin.

[0020] Finally, a sensor is provided for monitoring the position of themannequin and for providing a signal to the control module in responseto the positioning of the mannequin in a predetermined, non-acceptableposition. In response to the signal generated by the sensor, the controlmodule generates an audio signal to indicate the positioning of themannequin in a non-acceptable position.

[0021] In accordance with the present invention, a method is alsoprovided for simulating activities of an infant. The method includesproviding a mannequin and generating one of a plurality of simulatedactivities by the mannequin at predetermined time intervals. A responseelement is selected corresponding to the simulated activity in order toterminate the simulated activity by the mannequin.

[0022] The method of the present invention may also include theadditional step of generating a visual signal in response to apredetermined force on the mannequin. Further, an audible signal may begenerated in response to a predetermined force on the mannequin. Theaudible signal may be terminated with a selected response element.

[0023] The method contemplates providing a panic element and generatinga signal with the panic element so as to terminate any of the simulatedactivities by the mannequin. If an activity is terminated by a panicelement, the method contemplates generating a panic signal in responsethereto so as to indicate to an instructor use of the same.

[0024] Power is supplied for generating the simulated activities by themannequin. The method contemplates monitoring the power supplied andgenerating a signal in response to the power decreasing below apredetermined level.

[0025] The plurality of simulated activities by the mannequin areperformed according to a program. It is contemplated that a plurality ofprograms may be constructed, with an instructor having the ability toselect a desired program for generating the simulated activities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0026] The drawings furnished herewith illustrate a preferredconstruction of the present invention in which the above advantages andfeatures are clearly disclosed as well as others which will be readilyunderstood from the following description of the illustrated embodiment.

[0027] In the drawings:

[0028]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an infant simulation device inaccordance with the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the infant simulation deviceof FIG. 1;

[0030]FIG. 3 is an exploded, rear elevational view showing a portion ofthe infant simulation device of FIG. 2;

[0031]FIG. 4 is an exploded, front elevational view of the simulator ofthe infant simulation device of the present invention;

[0032]FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view, partially in section, showing thesimulator of FIG. 4 installed within the infant simulation device of thepresent invention; FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view, similar to FIG. 5, withportions broken away, showing the simulator of FIG. 4 installed withinthe infant simulation device of the present invention;

[0033]FIG. 7 is a side elevational view, with portions broken away,showing the simulator of FIG. 4 installed within the infant simulationdevice of the present invention;

[0034]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the simulator of FIG. 4 and akey element for use therewith;

[0035]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the simulator of FIG. 8 takenalong line 9-9;

[0036]FIG. 10a is a side elevational view showing a plurality of programkey elements for use in connection with the infant simulation device ofthe present invention;

[0037]FIG. 10b is a side elevational view showing a plurality ofresponse key elements for use in connection with the infant simulationdevice of the present invention;

[0038]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the simulatorincorporated into the present invention showing a position switch foruse therewith;

[0039]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the simulatorincorporated into the present invention showing an abuse switch for usetherewith;

[0040]FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the electronic circuitry of thesimulator incorporated into the present invention; and

[0041]FIG. 14 is an electrical schematic of the simulator incorporatedinto the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the infant simulation device of thepresent invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 10.Infant simulation device 10 includes a mannequin 12 and a simulator 14mounted therein. As is shown, mannequin 12 is in the form of a young,anatomically correct infant. It is contemplated that mannequin 12 mayincorporate any selected ethnic characteristic or be of either sex.

[0043] Mannequin 12 includes a head 16, first and second arms 18 and 20,first and second legs 22 and 24, and a torso 26. A simulator receiptcavity 28 is formed in the back 30 of torso 26. Cavity 28 is defined byupper and lower walls 32 and 34, respectively, sidewalls 36 and 38, andrecessed wall 40. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 5-7, cavity 28 isdimensioned so as to receive simulator 14 therein. A magnet 41 ismounted to the outside of sidewall 36, for reasons hereinafterdescribed.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 4, simulator 14 includes first 42 and second 44housing portions which house the electronic circuitry shown anddescribed in FIGS. 13-14. First housing portion 42 includes a forwardwall 46 and sidewalls 48, 50, 52 and 54 so as to define a box-likestructure. A rib 43 extends along sidewalls 48, 50, 52 and 54 in orderto facilitate the joining of first 42 and second 44 housing portions.First 56 and second 58 mounting elements project rearwardly from theinner surface 47 of forward wall 46 and are positioned so as to alignwith mounting elements 49 and 51 which project forwardly from the innersurface 53 of rear wall 55 of second housing portion 44.

[0045] One of a hook and pile element is affixed to the outer surface 62of sidewall 48 of first housing portion 42, while the other 64 isaffixed to the inner surface of sidewall 36 of cavity 28. Similarly, one65 of a hook and pile element is affixed to the outer surface 66 ofsidewall 52 of first housing element 42, while the other 67 is affixedto the inner surface 69 of sidewall 38 of cavity 28 in mannequin 12. Asbest seen in FIG. 5, the hook and pile elements are used to securesimulator 14 within cavity 28 of mannequin 12. First housing portion 42also includes a flexible tab member 70 extending from the outer surface71 of sidewall 50 in order to facilitate the removal of simulator 70from cavity 28, as hereinafter described.

[0046] Simulator 14 also includes electronic circuitry for generatingpredetermined simulated activities by the infant simulation device 10.Electronic circuitry 80 is supported within simulator 14 on a circuitboard 73 which is interconnected to and spaced from the forward wall 46of first housing portion 42 by circuit board supports 75. Referring toFIG. 13, a block diagram of the electronic circuitry housed in thesimulator 14 is provided. The electronic circuitry of the simulator 14is generally designated by the reference number 80. Referring to FIGS.4, 13 and 14, electronic circuitry 80 includes a microcontroller 82mounted to circuit board 73 of first housing portion 42, FIG. 9. In thepreferred embodiment, microcontroller 82 is a microprocessor such asMotorola Part No. PIC16C61-04/P which is programmed for running fourdifferent event programs which determine the simulated activitiesperformed by device 10.

[0047] Circuitry 80 also includes a position sensor 84 and a tamperswitch 90 which are operatively connected to microcontroller 82.Position sensor 84 is mounted to circuit board 73 within first housingportion 42, FIG. 11, and includes a mercury switch 86 which has a firstend connected to pin 17 of microcontroller 82 and a second end connectedto ground, FIG. 14. Pin 17 is also connected through resistor 88 to avoltage source +V such as battery 89.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 7, battery 89 is supported within simulator 14by battery support structure 91. A removable panel 93 is provided in theforward wall 46 of first housing portion 42 of simulator 14 in order toallow access to battery 89 within battery support structure 91.

[0049] Tamper switch 90 comprises a magnetic switch mounted to circuitboard 73 within first housing member 42, FIGS. 2 and 6. Tamper switch 90has a first end interconnected to pins 4 and 14 of microcontroller 82through resistor 92, FIG. 14. A second end of tamper switch 90 isconnected to voltage source +V. Pins 14 and 4 are also connected toground through capacitor 94.

[0050] Circuitry 80 further includes an abuse sensor 100 having a toggleswitch 102 mounted to circuit board 73 of first housing member 42, FIG.12. Toggle switch 102 has a first end connected to ground and a secondend connected to pin 3 of microcontroller 82, FIG. 14. A capacitor 104is mounted in parallel with toggle switch 102. The second end of toggleswitch 102 is also connected to voltage source +V through resistor 106.

[0051] Key decoder 110 includes first 112, second 114, third 116, andfourth 118 switches, FIG. 4. Each switch 112, 114, 116, 118 includes aflexible read portion 112 a, 114 a, 116 a, 118 a, respectively,resiliently spaced from a corresponding contact switch 112 b, 114 b, 116b, 118 b, respectively. Each contact switch 112 b, 114 b, 116 b, 118 bis mounted to and supported by circuit board 73. Each contact switch 112b, 114 b, 116 b, 118 b has a first end interconnected to a correspondingpin 6, 7, 8 and 9, respectively, of microcontroller 82 and a second endconnected to ground. Further, each first end of contact switches 112 b,114 b, 116 b, 118 b is interconnected to voltage source +V through acorresponding resistor 120, 122, 124, 126, respectively.

[0052] Pins 2, 10, 11, 12 and 13 of microcontroller 82 areinterconnected to corresponding pins 23, 10, 9, 6, and 24, respectively,of a speech chip 130 thereby allowing microcontroller 82 to control theoutput of speech chip 130 at pins 14 and 15. It is contemplated thatspeech chip 130 be of the type sold by ISD under the Model Number 1416P.Pins 2, 10, 11, 12, 13 are also connected through correspondingresistors 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, respectively, to voltage source +V.

[0053] Microcontroller 82 is also connected to voltage source +V at pin18 through abuse LED 142 and resistor 144 which are in series.Similarly, pin 1 of microcontroller 82 is connected to voltage source +Vthrough panic/tamper LED 146 and resistor 148 which are in series. Thetiming of microcontroller 82 is controlled by an external oscillatorcircuit 150 which includes an oscillator 152 having first and secondends connected to ground through corresponding capacitors 154 and 156,respectively, as is conventional.

[0054] Circuitry 80 further includes a low battery detector 160 such asModel No. MN13811-S. Battery detector 160 is connected to voltage source+V through resistor 162 and through a low battery LED 164 and resistor166 combination which are connected in series. Low battery detector 160is also connected directly to ground through line 168 and throughresistor 170.

[0055] Pins 14 and 15 of speech chip 130 are interconnected throughlines 172 and 174, respectively, to speaker 176 so as to allow speechchip 130 to generate sound therethrough. As best seen in FIG. 4, speaker176 is mounted to the inner surface 53 of rear wall 55 of second housingportion 44. Pins 16 and 28 of speech chip 130 are tied together, andthereafter interconnected to voltage source +V, and through capacitor178, to ground. Pins 1-5 of speech chip 130 are tied together, whilepins 12 and 13 of speech chip 130 are tied together and also tied toground. Pin 27 of speech chip 130 is connected to voltage source +Vthrough resistor 180, and speech chip 130 is grounded at pin XCLK.

[0056] Also mounted to circuit board 73 are first 184 and second 186 keyguide elements, FIGS. 4 and 8, which project rearwardly from circuitboard 73. Key guide elements 184 and 186 are laterally spaced in orderto accommodate a key element therebetween.

[0057] Second housing portion 44 is defined by rear wall 55 andsidewalls 188, 190, 192 and 194. A groove 196 extends along the edges ofwalls 188, 190, 192 and 194 and is adapted for receiving rib 43 therein.

[0058] In an assembled condition, rib 43 of first housing portion 42 isreceived within groove 196 of second housing portion 44. In order tointerconnect first 42 and second 44 housing portions of simulator 14, ascrew is threaded through mounting element 49 of second housing portion44 and into first mounting element 56 of first housing portion 42.Similarly, a screw is threaded through mounting element 51 of secondhousing portion 44 and into second mounting element 58 of first housingportion 42. Simulator 14 is then inserted into cavity 28 such that thehook and pile elements described above maintain simulator 14 withincavity 28, FIG. 5. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 5-6, flexible tab member70 is positioned so as to project outwardly from cavity 28 in order tofacilitate removal of simulator 14 from cavity 28.

[0059] Rear wall 55 of second housing portion 44 of simulator 14includes first and second slots 198 and 200 which are adapted forreceiving program keys 202 a-d, FIG. 10a, and/or various response keys,for example 204 a-d, FIG. 10b, therein. Each key 202 a-b and 204 a-bincludes a distinct coded end which engages a unique combination offlexible read portions 112 a, 114 a, 116 a, 118 a of switches 112, 114,116 and 118, respectively, so as to close corresponding contact switches112 b, 114 b, 116 b and 118 b, respectively. This, in turn causes thepins 6, 7, 8, 9 of microcontroller 82 which are interconnected to thecontact switches 112 a, 114 a, 116 a, 118 a which have been closed to achange state, thereby providing a unique, corresponding digital signalat pins 6, 7, 8, 9 of microcontroller 82. As a result, each key insertedinto slots 198 and 200 generates a unique, corresponding digital signalto microcontroller 82. Based upon this digital signal, microcontroller82 determines if the proper responses have been provided by a user tothe programmed events generated by the electronic circuitry 80 ofsimulator 14, as hereinafter described.

[0060] In a preferred construction, microcontroller 82 may be programmedfor running four distinct event programs. Each event program consists ofthree types of programmed events: diaper change, feeding and burping,and attention. In the preferred construction, there are three programsthat can be selected by an instructor plus a demonstration option. Asample program is shown below: Time from Duration Time Last Event EventIn Minutes  0:00 0 minutes Reset 0  0:20 20 minutes Diaper Change (1) 5 3:55 215 minutes Feeding & Burping (1) 30  5:48 108 minutes Attention(1) 15  6:22 34 minutes Diaper Change (2) 5  8:46 144 minutes Feeding &Burping (2) 30  9:58 72 minutes Diaper Change (3) 5 12:49 171 minutesFeeding & Burping (3) 30 13:40 51 minutes Attention (2) 15 17:55 255minutes Feeding & Burping (4) 30 18:42 47 minutes Diaper Change (4) 622:30 228 minutes Feeding & Burping (5) 30 24:52 142 minutes DiaperChange (5) 5 26:35 95 minutes Attention (3) 15 27:49 74 minutes DiaperChange (6) 5 29:32 103 minutes Feeding & Burping (6) 30 31:20 76 minutesDiaper change (7) 5 32:12 52 minutes Feeding & Burping (7) 30 36:50 278minutes Diaper Change (8) 5 37:23 33 minutes Feeding & Burping (8) 3039:10 107 minutes Attention (4) 15 41:19 129 minutes Diaper Change (9) 543:56 157 minutes Feeding & Burping (9) 30 46:21 145 minutes DiaperChange (10) 5 47:42 81 minutes Feeding & Burping (10) 30

[0061] Each program is approximately equal in length and consists ofapproximately 25 different events. Each of the programs has fixed timesat which the events occur. These predetermined times are known to theinstructor, but not to the student.

[0062] In operation, an instructor selects one of the threeabove-described programs programmed in microcontroller 82 when assigninga mannequin to a particular student. Each program, as described above,includes a realistic number of times that the simulation system must befed, burped, diapered or given attention. The programs are selected bythe instructor by inserting one of the four program keys 202 a-d, FIG.10a, into slots 198 and 200 of simulator 14 as shown in FIG. 3. Aspreviously described, each program key 202 a-d includes a unique codedtab for engaging corresponding read portions 112 a, 114 a, 116 a, and118 a of switches 112, 114, 116, 118, respectively. As best seen in FIG.8, when a selected program key 202 a-d is inserted into slots 198 and200 in simulator 14, the coded tab of the selected program key engagesand depresses a predetermined corresponding read portion(s) 112 a, 114a, 116 a, 118 a of switches 112, 114, 116, 118, respectively, which, inturn, closes a corresponding contact switch 112 b, 114, 116 b, 118 b. Byclosing a corresponding, predetermined contact switch, a digital signalis sent to microcontroller 82 so as to activate the selected program. Ifa non-program key is inserted into slots 198 and 200 of simulator 14,nothing will happen. However, if a proper program key 202 a-d isinserted, and the program is activated, microcontroller 82 sends adigital signal from pins 2 and 10-13 to speech chip 30. In response tothese digital signals, speech chip 130 generates a cooing sound throughspeaker 176.

[0063] Once a program is activated, the microcontroller 82 will causespeech chip 130 to generate a crying sound from speaker 176 atpredetermined intervals according to the program selected. For example,at specific times, a crying sound will be generated in order for theinfant simulation device 10 to simulate that the infant is wet and wantsits diaper changed. The crying will continue until the student insertsthe proper response key, i.e. diaper change key 204 a, FIG. 10b. If thestudent inserts any other key, the infant will continue to cry.

[0064] Upon insertion of the diaper change key 204 a in slots 198 and200 in simulator 14, a digital signal is sent to microcontroller 82which, in turn, instructs the speech chip 130 to terminate the cryingsound to generate a cooing sound at speaker 176 to indicate that thecorrect action has been taken. The diaper change period lasts apredetermined time period which students do not know in advance. Tenseconds before the end of diaper change period, the microcontroller 82instructs the sound chip 130 to generate a cooing sound at speaker 176.The diaper change key 204 a must then be reinserted into slots 198 and200 to end the diaper change period. If the diaper change key 204 a isnot reinserted, the speech chip 130 will continue to generate a cryingsound at speaker 176. After reinsertion of the proper diaper change key204 a, the microcontroller 82 will instruct speech chip 130 to terminatethe crying sound and to generate a cooing sound at speaker 176.

[0065] At specific times determined by the selected program,microcontroller 82 will instruct speech chip 130 to generate a cryingsound at speaker 176 to simulate that the infant is hungry. The cryingsound will continue until a student inserts the feed key 204 b intoslots 198 and 200 in simulator 14. By inserting the proper feed key 204b into slots 198 and 200, a digital signal is provided tomicrocontroller 82 which, in turn, causes microcontroller 82 to instructspeech chip 130 to terminate the crying sounds and to generate a cooingsound to indicate that the correct action has been taken. However, if astudent inserts any other key in slots 198 and 200, the crying soundwill continue.

[0066] In the preferred embodiment, the feeding period lasts twentyminutes. Students do not know the duration of the feeding period inadvance. Ten seconds before the end of the feeding period,microcontroller 82 will instruct speech chip 30 to generate a cooingsound at speaker 176 indicating to the student that the infant needs tobe burped. If the burp key 204 c, FIG. 10b, is inserted within slots 198and 200 within the ten second period, the microcontroller 82 willinstruct speech chip 130 to generate a cooing sound at speaker 176 so asto indicate the beginning of the burping period. If any other key isentered into slots 198 and 200 or if the burp key 204 c is not insertedwithin ten seconds, microcontroller 82 will instruct speech chip 130 togenerate a crying sound at speaker 176 until the burp key 204 c isinserted.

[0067] The burping period last ten minutes. The duration of the burpingperiod is not known to the students in advance. Ten seconds before theend of the burping period, the microcontroller 82 will instruct speechchip 130 to generate a cooing sound at speaker 176. Thereafter, the burpkey 204 c must be reinserted into slots 198 and 200 in order to end theburping period. If the burp key 204 c is not reinserted into slots 198and 200, the microprocessor will instruct speech chip 130 to generate acontinuous crying sound at speaker 176. When the burp key 204 c isinserted into slots 198 and 200, the microcontroller 82 will terminatethe burping period and will cause speech chip 130 to generate a cooingsound at speaker 176.

[0068] At predetermined times, microcontroller 82 will instruct speechchip 130 to generate a crying sound at speaker 176 in order to simulatethat the infant is unhappy and desires attention. The crying sound willcontinue until a student inserts the proper response key, i.e. attentionkey 204 d, FIG. 10b, into slots 198 and 200. If the student inserts anyother key into slots 198 and 200, the crying sound will continue. Uponinsertion of the attention key 204 d into slots 198 and 200, a digitalsignal is sent to microcontroller 82 which, in turn, instructs speechchip 130 to terminate the crying sound and, thereafter, to generate acooing sound to indicate to the student that a correct action has beentaken.

[0069] The attention period lasts fifteen minutes. The duration of theattention period is not known in advance to the students. Ten secondsbefore the end of the attention period, microcontroller 82 instructsspeech chip 130 to generate a cooing sound at speaker 176. The attentionkey 204 d must then be reinserted in slots 198 and 200 in order to endthe attention period. If the attention key 204 d is not reinserted or ifany other key is inserted, the crying sound will continue. Uponinsertion of the attention key 204 d into slots 198 and 200, themicrocontroller 82 will instruct speech chip 130 to terminate the cryingsounds at speaker 176, and thereafter, to generate a cooing sound.

[0070] If, for some reason, a student cannot determine how to stop thecrying sound generated by the circuitry 80, a panic key (not shown) isprovided which can be inserted into slots 198 and 200 in simulator 14,in order to provide a digital signal to microcontroller 82 thatinstructs microcontroller 82 to terminate the present programmed event,i.e. diaper change, feed and burp, or attention. However, when the panickey is inserted in slots 198 and 200, microcontroller generates a signalat pin 1 causing the tamper/panic LED 146 to start flashing. Further,the panic key will only terminate the present period (e.g. diaperchange, feed and burp, or attention). The selected program will continueas the tamper/panic LED 146 continues to flash.

[0071] In order to stop the flashing of the tamper/panic LED 146, theinstructor must insert a teacher reset key (not pictured) into slots 198and 200 of simulator 14. Upon receipt of the teacher reset key in slots198 and 200, a digital signal is sent to microcontroller 82 which causesmicrocontroller 82 to terminate the flashing of the tamper/panic LED.

[0072] If mannequin 12 is held or positioned incorrectly, mercury switch86 will close thereby causing pin 17 to go high which, in turn, causesmicrocontroller 82 to instruct speech chip 130 generate a crying soundat speaker 176. However, to allow for normal handling, microcontroller82 provides for a ten second delay before instructing speech chip 130 togenerate the crying sound at speaker 176.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, mannequin 12 must be positioned on itsback during sleep or microcontroller 82 will cause speech chip 130 togenerate a crying sound at speaker 176. Similarly, mannequin 12 must bein an upright position or on its back when being held or microcontroller82 will instruct speech chip 130 to generate a crying sound at speaker176. In order to facilitate handling during the diaper change, feedingand burping and attention periods, microcontroller 82 will not monitorthe position of mannequin 12 during such periods.

[0074] If the mannequin 12 is abused, such as by dropping or hitting,toggle switch 102 will pivot as shown in phantom in FIG. 12 and closethereby causing pins 4 and 14 to switch state which, in turn, causesmicrocontroller 82 to instruct speech chip 130 to generate a cryingsound at speaker 176. The crying sound cannot be stopped by the studentduring the first minute after the abusive activity. After one minute,the student can terminate the crying sound by inserting the attentionkey 204 d into slots 198 and 200 as previously described.

[0075] In addition to generating the crying sound in response to abuse,microcontroller 82 generates a signal at pin 1 causing the tamper/panicLED 146 to start flashing. The flashing cannot be stopped by thestudent, only by the insertion of the teacher reset key into slots 198and 200 of simulator 14 as described above. However, after the abuse hastaken place, the selected program will continue normally.

[0076] In order to prevent tampering with the circuitry 80, tamperswitch 90 is provided. Tamper switch 90 is in the form of a magneticswitch which is maintained in a normally opened position by magnet 41when simulator 14 is received within cavity 28 in the back 30 ofmannequin 12. If a student attempts to remove simulator 14 from cavity28 in mannequin 12, magnetic switch 90 will close thereby causingmicrocontroller 82 to generate a signal at pin 1 such that tamper/panicLED 146 will start to flash. As previously described, only the insertionof the teacher reset key into slots 198 and 200 of simulator 14 can stopthe flashing of the tamper/panic LED 146.

[0077] It is contemplated as being within the scope of the presentinvention to program microcontroller 82 to generate the crying andcooing sounds for predetermined lengths of time. It is furthercontemplated that the program keys 202 a-d and the response keys 204 a-dmay be removed immediately after insertion into slots 198 and 200.

[0078] It is contemplated as being within the scope of the presentinvention to provide a student responsive sheet designed to allow thestudents to keep track of the type of care required by the infantsimulation system, as well as the time at which the care was given. Inthat the events occur at predetermined time periods, a teachercorrection template may be constructed in order to check the activitiesperformed by the student versus the program for grading purposes or thelike.

[0079] Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated asbeing within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as theinvention.

We claim:
 1. A device for simulating an infant, comprising: a mannequin;a control module positioned within the mannequin for generating one of aplurality of simulated activities by the mannequin at predetermined timeintervals; a plurality of response elements, each response elementcorresponding to a corresponding simulated activity; and a readerelement operatively connected to the control module for receiving acorresponding response element therein, the control module terminatingthe one of the plurality of simulated activities in response toreceiving a proper, response element within the reader element.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1 further comprising an abuse indicator interconnectedto the mannequin, the abuse indicator generating a signal in response toa predetermined force on the mannequin.
 3. The device of claim 2 whereinthe abuse indicator includes a toggle switch movable between a first,normal operating position and a second, abused position in response to apredetermined force on the mannequin.
 4. The device of claim 3 whereinthe abuse indicator further includes a light emitting diode forgenerating a signal in response to the moving of the toggle switch tothe second, abused position.
 5. The device of claim 3 wherein the abuseindicator further includes a sound generator for generating an audibleabuse signal in response to the moving of the toggle switch into thesecond, abused position.
 6. The device of claim 5 wherein one of theplurality of response elements constitutes an attention element, whereinreceipt of the attention element within the reader element terminatesthe audible abuse signal after a predetermined period.
 7. The device ofclaim 1 wherein one of the plurality of response elements constitutes apanic element, wherein receipt of the panic element within the readerelement terminates each of the simulated activities.
 8. The device ofclaim 7 wherein the control module generates a panic signal in responseto receipt of the panic element within the reader element.
 9. The deviceof claim 1 further comprising a power source for supplying power to thecontrol module at a predetermined level.
 10. The device of claim 9wherein the power source is a battery.
 11. The device of claim 9 furthercomprising a lower power indicator operatively connected to the powersource, the lower power indicator generating a visual signal in responseto the power supplied decreasing below the predetermined level.
 12. Thedevice of claim 1 further comprising a tamper indicator interconnectedto the control module for generating a tamper signal in response toremoval of the control module from the mannequin.
 13. The device ofclaim 12 wherein the tamper indicator includes a tamper switch movablebetween a first, normal operating position, and a second, tamperedposition in response to removal of the control module from themannequin.
 14. The device of claim 13 wherein the tamper indicatorincludes a light emitting diode for generating a signal in response tothe moving of the tamper switch to the second, tampered position. 15.The device of claim 1 wherein the control module includes amicroprocessor and a sound generating structure responsive to commandsfrom the microprocessor.
 16. The device of claim 15 wherein the readerelement includes a plurality of switches operatively connected to themicroprocessor of the control module, each switch movable between anopened and closed position.
 17. The device of claim 16 wherein eachresponse element includes a key having distinct, coded bitting thereonsuch that insertion of a response element into the reader elementresults in the dosing of a unique, corresponding combination of switchesof the reader element.
 18. The device of claim 1 wherein the controlmodule and reader element are housed in a housing, the housing havingthe slot therein so as to allow for insertion of a response element. 19.The device of claim 18 wherein the mannequin includes a cavity thereinfor receiving the housing.
 20. The device of claim 19 further comprisinga hook and pile element, one of said hook and pile element mounted tothe housing while the other mounted within the cavity in the mannequinorder to maintain the housing within the cavity in the mannequin. 21.The device of claim 19 further comprising a flexible tab memberextending from the housing so as to facilitate removal of the housingfrom the mannequin.
 22. The device of claim 1 further comprising asensor for monitoring the position of the mannequin and for providing asignal to the control module in response to the positioning of themannequin in a predetermined, non-acceptable position, such that thecontrol module generates a visual signal in response thereto.
 23. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the control module generates a positivereinforcement signal in response to receipt of the proper responseelement within the reader element.
 24. The device of claim 1 wherein thecontrol module generates a first sound when generating one of theplurality of simulated activities and a second sound when terminatingthe one of the plurality of simulated activities.
 25. A device forsimulating an infant, comprising: a mannequin; a control modulepositioned within the mannequin for generating one of a plurality ofsimulated activities by the mannequin at predetermined time intervals;and an abuse indicator interconnected to the mannequin, the abuseindicator generating a signal in response to a predetermined force onthe mannequin.
 26. The device of claim 25 wherein the abuse indicatorincludes a toggle switch movable between a first, normal operationposition and a second, abused position in response to a predeterminedforce on the mannequin.
 27. The device of claim 26 wherein the abuseindicator further includes a light emitting diode for generating asignal in response to the moving of the toggle switch to the second,abused position.
 28. The device of claim 26 wherein the abuse indicatorfurther includes a sound generator for generating an audible abusesignal in response to the moving of the toggle switch into the second,abused position.
 29. The device of claim 25 further comprising a tamperindicator interconnected to the mannequin for generating a tamper signalin response to removal of the control module from the mannequin.
 30. Thedevice of claim 29 wherein the tamper indicator includes a tamper switchmovable between a first, normal operating position and a second,tampered position in response to removal of the control module from themannequin.
 31. The device of claim 29 wherein the tamper indicatorincludes a light emitting diode for generating a signal in response tothe moving of the tamper switch to the second, tampered position. 32.The device of claim 25 wherein the control module includes amicroprocessor and a sound generating structure responsive to commandsfrom the microprocessor.
 33. The device of claim 25 further comprising aplurality of coded response elements, each response element generating adistinct signal corresponding to the simulated activity wherein receiptof the proper signal from the response element by the control moduleterminates the one of the plurality of simulated activities.
 34. Thedevice of claim 33 wherein one of the plurality of coded responseelements constitutes a panic element, wherein the panic elementgenerates a signal which terminates each of the simulated activities.35. The device of claim 34 wherein the control module generates a panicsignal in response to receipt of a signal from the panic element.
 36. Adevice for simulating an infant, comprising: a mannequin; a controlmodule positioned within the mannequin for generating one of a pluralityof simulated activities by the mannequin in predetermined timeintervals; and a tamper indicator interconnected to the control modulefor generating a tamper signal in response to tampering with the controlmodule, the tamper indicator including a tamper switch movable to thefirst, normal operating position, and a second tamper position inresponse to removal of the control module from the mannequin.
 37. Thedevice of claim 36 wherein the tamper indicator includes a lightemitting diode for generating a signal in response to the moving of thetamper switch to the second, tampered position.
 38. The device of claim36 wherein the control module includes a microprocessor and a soundgenerating structure responsive to commands from the microprocessor. 39.The device of claim 36 further comprising a plurality of coded responseelements, each response element generating a distinct signalcorresponding to the simulated activity wherein receipt of the propersignal from the response element by the control module terminates theone of the plurality of simulated activities.
 40. The device of claim 39wherein one of the plurality of code response elements constitutes apanic element, wherein the panic element generates a signal whichterminates each of the simulated activities.
 41. The device f claim 40wherein the control module generates a panic signal in response toreceipt of a signal from the panic element.
 42. A method for simulatingthe activities of an infant, comprising the steps of: providing amannequin; generating one of a plurality of simulated activities by themannequin at predetermined time intervals; selecting a response elementcorresponding to the simulated activities; and terminating the one ofthe plurality of simulated activities with the response element.
 43. Themethod of claim 42 further comprising the additional step of generatinga visual signal in response to a predetermined force on the mannequin.44. The method of claim 42 further comprising the additional step ofgenerating an audible signal in response to a predetermined force on themannequin.
 45. The method of claim 44 comprising the further step ofterminating the audible signal with a selected response element.
 46. Themethod of claim 42 further comprising the additional step of providing apanic element and generating a signal with the panic element so as toterminate all of the simulated activities.
 47. The method of claim 46further comprising the additional step of generating a panic signal inresponse to the terminating of a simulated activity with the panicelement.
 48. The method of claim 42 further comprising the additionalstep of supplying power for generating the one of the plurality ofsimulated activities by the mannequin.
 49. The method of claim 48comprising the additional step of monitoring the power supplied andgenerating a signal in response to the power decreasing below apredetermined level.
 50. The method of claim 42 comprising theadditional step of generating the one of the plurality of simulatedactivities by the mannequin according to a program.
 51. The method ofclaim 50 comprising the additional step of providing a plurality ofprograms for generating the one of the plurality of simulated activitiesby the mannequin.
 52. The method of claim 51 comprising the additionalstep of selecting one of the plurality of programs.